A trip to Shirdi for Sai Baba darshan is one of the most popular journeys from Pune. It's an easy day trip if you plan it well — but a lot depends on choosing the right departure time and a driver who knows the route. This guide covers the distance, fares, timing and a few things that make the day smoother.
How far is Shirdi from Pune?
Pune to Shirdi is about 185 km. The usual route runs via the Pune-Nashik highway up to Sangamner, then turns towards Shirdi. By cab the drive takes roughly 4 to 4.5 hours including one short tea break. Traffic getting out of Pune in the morning is the main variable, which is why an early start helps.
Pune to Shirdi cab fare
Fares depend on the vehicle and whether it's a one-day return or a longer trip. As a starting point:
| Vehicle | Seats | Day trip from |
|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Hyundai Aura (sedan) | 4 | ₹3,500 |
| Maruti Ertiga CNG | 7 | On call |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 7 | On call |
| Force Urbania (group) | 9–26 | On call |
The sedan day-trip fare of ₹3,500 includes driver, fuel and toll. Larger vehicles and round trips with waiting are quoted on call. See full details on our Pune to Shirdi cab page.
Best time to leave Pune
For a comfortable one-day darshan, leave Pune by 4 to 5 AM. You'll reach Shirdi around 9 AM, before the biggest crowds, finish darshan and lunch, and be back in Pune by evening without rushing. Thursdays, weekends and festival days are much busier at the temple, so start even earlier on those days.
Tip: Book a VIP/aarti pass in advance on the official Shirdi Sai Sansthan site if you want a fixed darshan slot — it saves a lot of queue time on busy days.
Add nearby temples to your trip
Many travellers combine Shirdi with a nearby pilgrimage stop. The most popular add-ons are:
- Shani Shingnapur — about 70 km from Shirdi, famous for the Shani temple. Easy to add on the same day or the return leg.
- Trimbakeshwar — near Nashik, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas; better suited to a two-day trip.
- Nashik — for Panchavati and the Kumbh Mela ghats, if you have an extra day.
If you want to cover more than Shirdi, tell us in advance so we can plan the route and timing properly.
Which car should you pick?
For two people, a sedan is the most economical and comfortable choice. Families of six to seven are best in an Ertiga or Innova Crysta for the extra legroom and luggage space on a long day. Larger family groups can travel together in a Force Urbania tempo traveller — see our tempo traveller page for seater options.
Quick facts
- Distance: ~185 km one way
- Drive time: ~4 to 4.5 hours
- Sedan day-trip fare: from ₹3,500 (driver, fuel, toll)
- Best departure: 4–5 AM for a one-day trip
- Popular add-on: Shani Shingnapur (~70 km from Shirdi)
Ready to plan your darshan? Call or WhatsApp Nitin at +91 86002 39959 for a confirmed fare and driver details.